9to5Mac reports sources familiar with the matter say Apple is teaming up with professional athletes to test the iWatch "in intenest training environments."

The outlet names pro athletes such as Lakers player Kobe Bryant and Kings player Dustin Brown. They, of course, reportedly signed non-disclosure agreements to participate in the project. (Via Flickr / Keith Allison, Mark H. Anbinder)

This adds yet another rumor to the long list of rumors/evidence/speculation/whatever-you-want-to-call-it pointing to an iWatch launch. At this point, several sources expect an October launch of the health-and fitness-tracking device.

Health, one of the features Apple announced at its World Wide Developers conference, will likely communicate with the wrist-mountable device, giving users the ability to track all kinds of personal health information.

Which is likely why Apple wants to partner up with pro athletes — if it works in those high-intensity training environments, it'll work for the rest of us.

A writer for TechnoBuffalo says despite reports the iWatch will have at least 10 different sensors, this potential partnering shows Apple's focus is mostly on fitness. "The news all but confirms that the iWatch will serve primarily as a fitness tracker."

TechCrunch says the move is a brilliant marketing technique. With the Cupertino Company looking to push between 50 million to 60 million units in the first year, an iWatch is going to need some serious street cred. Enter sports stars, stage right.

"Sports sells gatorade, and sports sells sneakers, and sports sells clothing and hats and TV trays and bottle openers and anything that has enough surface area to hold a logo." (ViaTechCrunch)

And now sports might sell the iWatch.

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